Brian Walton's news and commentary on the St. Louis Cardinals (TM) and their minor league system

Can Wainwright continue his streaks?

As St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright takes the mound against the San Diego Padres on Friday night at Busch Stadium, fans know his primary focus will be on trying to help increase the Cardinals’ 4 ½-game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central Division.

Many also are aware that on the personal side, the 27-year-old right-hander will be gunning for his 14th win of the season. That would tie Wainwright’s MLB career best, set in 2007.

Fewer probably know about three current streaks that Wainwright will be looking to extend on Friday. In one case, he already owns the top mark in MLB this season. In another, he can tie for the lead and in the third, he will be gunning to tie for second.

They are:

Six or more innings pitched, where Waino’s run of 22 games and counting is the best in MLB this season.

Two or fewer earned runs allowed. With a tenth straight such game Friday night, Wainwright will tie for the MLB lead this season with Arizona’s Dan Haren, Seattle’s Eric Bedard and Kansas City’s Zach Greinke. All three of those streaks have ended.

Five or more strikeouts. If he continues Friday, Wainwright’s consecutive run of 12 five-K games would tie six other pitchers for the second-longest stretch across MLB this season. Atlanta’s Javier Vazquez is the runaway leader with 23 and counting, so Adam will be unable to pass him in 2009.